mental health hacks
Mental Health is a popular buzzword in the media lately, and for a good reason. The stigma around anxiety or depression prevented most older generations from speaking about mental health issues. Even though the stigma is shifting and people are more comfortable speaking about mental health, it’s easy to ignore our problems and distract ourselves with work, family, and social pursuits. The stigma around mental health is shifting but we are far from being mentally healthy.
Below are 6 hacks to improve your mental health as you navigate the ups and downs of life.
SLEEP.
Doctors recommend 6–8 hours a night. Quality sleep can boost your immune system, increase productivity, boost your mood, prevent weight gain, and more.SELF-ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
We often don’t acknowledge ourselves and the progress we’ve made and forget that small steps are important to celebrate. So thank yourself for the small things you’re improving or accomplishing, even if it’s as simple as getting out of bed or making breakfast, or something bigger like practicing awareness or forgiving yourself for a past mistake. CELEBRATE EVERYTHING!FIND AWE.
One of the best things about being around a young child or new puppy is that you get to experience the awe of life from their eyes. Seeing how beautiful this world can be, how intricately designed nature is, or how delightful it is to have full belly laughs with someone you love and take in these moments can fuel your soul.IDENTIFY FEELINGS. Simply identifying emotions helps calm the emotional centers of the brain. Saying “I am angry” or “I feel disappointed” can help defuse overwhelming feelings.
SELF TALK. Be mindful of how you speak to yourself. Practice being your own cheerleader and pouring into yourself by saying affirmative and encouraging things to yourself. This could be done during meditations, in preparation for a big meeting, or whenever you’re feeling you need a mental boost.
MOVE. Moving your body releases tension and endorphins. These endorphins trigger positive feelings in the body which is why we hear phrases like “runners high” and “euphoric” after a workout. Yoga, taking a walk, dancing, martial arts, swimming, and weight lifting are all great options to get your body moving.